Best Swiss Horse Riding Resorts

Famously the highest town in the Alps as well as one of the ‘classic’ mountain destinations, Davos is the bigger and livelier of the Graubünden resorts. The area is a sight to see in the summer; all sun-drenched gorges, flowering valleys and towering peaks. Hiking is huge here (there are 700km of footpaths in the surrounding area) and you can also enjoy the views by cycling, paragliding or just doing backstroke - there’s nothing like a swim in the Davos Lake. For something different but well worth doing, take a tour around Monstein, the highest brewery in Europe.

The clue’s in the name with Interlaken: it’s situated between two fabulous lakes, the Thun and the Brienz. As well as being easy on the eye, the waters open up a multitude of activities like windsurfing, water-skiing and fishing. Looming overhead you can’t miss the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks – home to some wonderful hiking routes. The famous ‘Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe’ train is a brilliant way to see over the Alps and inside the glacier. Back at base the vibe is chilled out and cheerful – party with the backpackers or explore the restaurants around town.

Mark Twain called Weggis the ‘loveliest place’ he’d visited... and we’re inclined to agree. Known as the ‘Riviera of Central Switzerland’ and with a type of rose named after it, this is a seriously pretty village on the shores of lovely Lake Lucerne. If you’re not relaxing with a glass of Eggisbühler as you listen to one of the daily concerts, go for a scenic walk, hike or bike ride; the climate causes the area to bloom with hundreds of species of flowers throughout the summer. Take the old cog railway up the Rigi for cracking views of lakes and mountains and get a boat across the lake for a sight of the Rigi itself, which looms over the town.

Three things you can’t visit Vitznau without doing: 1) Get a boat out onto the lake to fully appreciate its location; facing Lake Lucerne with the Rigi Mountain towering behind, this place really is spectacular. 2) Take the cog railway (which happened to be the first of its kind in Europe) to the top of Rigi, for a 360° panorama of mountains and lakes stretching over to Germany and France. 3) Spend the evening by the lakeside – the sunset here is frankly spectacular. It’s not all about the sights though, the Rigi has some terrific walking routes and there are some lovely bike paths along and overlooking the lake. The region is officially labelled a ‘Wellness Destination’ by the Swiss Tourism Federation, so if you need to escape for some R&R, you’ve come to the right place.

If your idea of a summer break involves rest, relaxation and gobsmacking views, you’ve hit the nail on the head here: on the banks of the Thun Lake and at the base of the Niederhorn, this peaceful village has a healthy combination of all three. Fighting the sights of the Bernese Alps for the title of ‘Merligen’s best feature’ is the weather, which is hot enough to rival the Med.

With the warmest weather in Switzerland, Locarno is a brilliant blend of Italian and Swiss on the tip of the legendary Lago Maggiore. If you’re not too caught up indulging in La Dolce Vita, have a go at sailing or set off on one of the fantastic local walks. The town hosts its international film festival every summer (famed for the outdoor viewing experience in the Piazza Grande) and it’s always worth visiting the church of Madonna del Sasso up in Orselina – if only for the sights of the lake and town.

Klosters is the smaller and prettier of the two Graubünden villages - and it’s near enough to Davos that you can still make the most of the larger town’s spas and bars. The village has a definite air of ‘country chic’ and its surrounding hills have hundreds of kilometres for walking, cycling and pony trekking (or scooter descents if you’re after something a bit unconventional...). Visit the Madrisa adventure park if you’re here with the clan – it’s the largest of its kind in Switzerland.

Freddie Mercury got it in one: “If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux”. The Jazz Festival put this town on the map - bringing Freddie and other big names like Pink Floyd and Miles Davis to Lake Geneva’s Swiss shores. There’s plenty more on the menu, from the restaurants (with 20 listed in the Michelin and Gault Millau guides) to the clubs (which make up some of the best nightlife in Switzerland). Fill your days touring the local vineyards, relaxing in the spas, or simply strolling along the promenade.

On the banks of the Kander river and framed by colossal Alpine peaks, Kandersteg is small, friendly and utterly ‘Swiss’. While the pace of life in the village is lovely and leisurely, things really heat up when you reach the mountains – this is a seriously good area for hiking and mountain biking. We love the downhill free-trail, which is packed full of berms and jumps and the area has plenty more for the to-do list including a rope park, swimming pool and summer toboggan run.

On the top edge of Lake Lugano and 8km from the Italian border, Lugano is often called the ‘Monte Carlo of Switzerland’ which gives you a taste of the town. The San Salvatore and Sighignola mountains provide plenty of scope for hiking and the area also has some of Switzerland’s best MTB thanks to the bike park at Tomaro. Zip-lining is also super fun if you have a need for speed... The pace isn’t always set at full throttle – wander down the promenade or around the Piazza Bernardino Luini. The Renaissance fresco at the Madonna degli Angioli church is probably the best known of its kind in Switzerland.